To: President Donald Trump, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Protecting America's Water Infrastructure: Resolving the crisis in Flint and other communities in...
It has become apparent in recent weeks that Flint, Michigan residents and especially children were exposed to high levels of lead, copper and total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act for over a year. According to the National Institutes of Health, TTHM poses serious health risks, such as cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes. Lead ingestion in children can manifest in the form of long-term mental impairment, such as growth delays, hearing problems, and learning difficulties. The problem with toxic lead ingestion is that it is IRREVERSIBLE.
The Flint water crisis was exacerbated due to the several factors. According to the Director of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality testing on its website dated October 19, 2015, DEQ's staff used incorrect federal testing protocols that should only be used for a city of 50,000 constituents when the city in fact has 100,000 residents.
On June 26, 2014, Ed Kurtz, the emergency manager authorized by Governor Snyder, signed an order that the Flint River be used as the primary source of drinking water for two years. During the implementation of the government's plan, it was immediately apparent the water was not fit for consumption. Numerous residents complained to the city about the water quality. General Motors, which has a plant in Flint, stopped using the water because it was corroding their engines. Flint River water also corroded pipes that were tested by Virginia Tech.
There is even information suggesting through emails that officials with the EPA "hoped this situation will die down once they (residents City of Flint) connect to the Karegnondi pipeline...".
This situation will not die down. The people of the City of Flint were poisoned. The children in Flint will suffer irreparable health damage due to the decision making of governmental officials. Water supplies are not a panacea for the water crisis in Flint, because the water infrastructure has been compromised due to corrosive water prevalent within the pipelines for over a year!
Finally, after careful research it has been discovered that the water crisis may not be exclusive to Flint. The American Society of Engineers in its 2013 Report Card gave America a D for failing in terms of water infrastructure. The report states that many of the pipelines in America are over 100 years old, dating back to the civil war era. In addition, the pipelines are often inspected only in cases of emergency during a water main break.
America should improve its water infrastructure. It is imperative for our health and security.
No American should have to wonder if their water is safe to drink. This petition makes three specific requests:
A. That Governor Snyder respectfully resign due to the severity of the Flint water crisis and the irreparable harm that has come to the citizens of Flint.
B. That FEMA funds ordered by President Obama be directed to addressing the long-term impacts upon the water pipelines due to corrosive water.
C. That Congressional committees review the rules for the Safe Drinking Water Act and advise the public of its findings with specific solutions to address long-term issues.
I ask everyone to sign this petition in hopes that we can improve the quality of life for the citizens of Flint. It is important that we stand together to help the children and adults who have been adversely affected. It is imperative that we seek short and long-term solutions that will help our fellow citizens. The health conditions that Flint residents have been living under are deplorable, but together we can make a difference. Thank you for all that you do to help.
The Flint water crisis was exacerbated due to the several factors. According to the Director of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality testing on its website dated October 19, 2015, DEQ's staff used incorrect federal testing protocols that should only be used for a city of 50,000 constituents when the city in fact has 100,000 residents.
On June 26, 2014, Ed Kurtz, the emergency manager authorized by Governor Snyder, signed an order that the Flint River be used as the primary source of drinking water for two years. During the implementation of the government's plan, it was immediately apparent the water was not fit for consumption. Numerous residents complained to the city about the water quality. General Motors, which has a plant in Flint, stopped using the water because it was corroding their engines. Flint River water also corroded pipes that were tested by Virginia Tech.
There is even information suggesting through emails that officials with the EPA "hoped this situation will die down once they (residents City of Flint) connect to the Karegnondi pipeline...".
This situation will not die down. The people of the City of Flint were poisoned. The children in Flint will suffer irreparable health damage due to the decision making of governmental officials. Water supplies are not a panacea for the water crisis in Flint, because the water infrastructure has been compromised due to corrosive water prevalent within the pipelines for over a year!
Finally, after careful research it has been discovered that the water crisis may not be exclusive to Flint. The American Society of Engineers in its 2013 Report Card gave America a D for failing in terms of water infrastructure. The report states that many of the pipelines in America are over 100 years old, dating back to the civil war era. In addition, the pipelines are often inspected only in cases of emergency during a water main break.
America should improve its water infrastructure. It is imperative for our health and security.
No American should have to wonder if their water is safe to drink. This petition makes three specific requests:
A. That Governor Snyder respectfully resign due to the severity of the Flint water crisis and the irreparable harm that has come to the citizens of Flint.
B. That FEMA funds ordered by President Obama be directed to addressing the long-term impacts upon the water pipelines due to corrosive water.
C. That Congressional committees review the rules for the Safe Drinking Water Act and advise the public of its findings with specific solutions to address long-term issues.
I ask everyone to sign this petition in hopes that we can improve the quality of life for the citizens of Flint. It is important that we stand together to help the children and adults who have been adversely affected. It is imperative that we seek short and long-term solutions that will help our fellow citizens. The health conditions that Flint residents have been living under are deplorable, but together we can make a difference. Thank you for all that you do to help.
Why is this important?
I am starting this petition because I am afraid of the adverse effects that the corrosive water may have upon the people of Flint. Although the media has generated attention to this matter, the actions that have been performed thus far seem only to serve as a short-term solution to a catastrophic problem. The people of Flint will continue to live out the adverse effects of this crisis for many years to come, and someone must stand with them in advocating for real solutions.